Rotary-reciprocatory crushing mill

ABSTRACT

A crushing mill with a cooperating stator and rotor wherein the crushing surfaces are provided with segmented abutting surfaces. The segments are inclined such that as the rotor surface cooperates with the stator, the inclination of the segment surfaces causes the rotor to be moved axially in a reciprocatory fashion. Flexible cables support and drive the rotor and a central feed tube directs material and liquid to the cooperating surfaces. Screened openings are positioned circumferentially of the crusher to allow the crushed material to exit.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Henry L. Newmiller 1539 11th Ave., 59601; Benjamin J. Pugh, deceased, late of Helena,

by Viola May Pugh, sole heir, 527 N.

Rodney, Helena, Mont. [21] Appl. No. 696,956 [22] Filed Jan. 10, 1968 [45] Patented Jan.l9,1971

[54] ROTARY-RECIPROCATORY CRUSHING MILL 4 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 241/46.06, 241/205 [51] Int. Cl B02c 19/00 [50] Field of Search 241/205, 257, 258, 260, 244-249. 46.06

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 949,982 2/1910 l-listed 241/205 1,025,185 5/1912 Gruss 241/46.04 1,247,293 11/1917 Levitt 241/46.06X 2,558,156 6/1951 Pugh 24l/205 2,834,555 5/1958 Pugh .1 241/205 Primary Examiner-Donald G. Kelly Attarney-Robert U. Geib, Jr.

ABSTRACT: A crushing mill with a cooperating stator and rotor wherein the crushing surfaces are provided with segmented abutting surfaces. The segments are inclined such that as the rotor surface cooperates with the stator, the inclination of the segment surfaces causes the rotor to be moved axially in a reciprocatory fashion. Flexible cables support and drive the rotor and a central feed tube directs material and liquid to the cooperating surfaces. Screened openings are positioned circumferentially of the crusher to allow the crushed material to exit.

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ATTORNEY 1 ROTARY-RECIPROCATORY CRUSIIING MILL I In U.S. Pat. No. 2,834,555. to Benjamin J. Pugh. dated May I3, 1958, there is disclosed a crushing and grinding mill which produces very satisfactory results in an efficient manner. particularly in the crushing of ores for further processing. while greatly reducing the slimes which theretofore proved troublesome and objectionable.

The apparatus of the present invention while of the same general type as that of U.S. Pat. No. 2.834.555 to Benjamin J. Pugh, provides a number of advantages thereover. among which are a series of instrumentalities. to be described hereinafter. which assure the maintenance at all times of a balanced rotation of the drive column. whereby not only is less power required, but there is eliminated the possibility of the drive column being unduly worn or out of true.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood after referring to the following specification and annexed drawings. wherein like reference numeralsdesignate like parts and wherein:

tion of an apparatus embodying the teachings' of the present invention;

MG. 2 is a side elevation of the exterior of the apparatus of FIG. H with the outer tank or splash ringremoved. as will be more fully understood as the description proceeds;

FIG. 3 is'a plan view of the showing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical transverse view, partly in section, which illustrates the hookup of the elements which connect the drive plate and head plate which form part of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the showing ofFlG. 4; i

F IG. 6 is a detailed sectional elevational view illustrating the fixed and rotatable shoes and the manner in which they cooperate to bring about the improved grinding action;

HO. 7 is a side elevational view of one of the sections of the grinding shoes;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of-the showing of FIG. 7;

FlG. 9 is a plan view. on a reduced scale, of a modified drive mechanism for the novel apparatus; and

F l6. 10 is a fragmentary elevational view partly in section, illustrating a circular member which is secured to the bottom of the tank and beneath the central tube of the apparatus for deflecting material and liquid from the interior of the central tube to the fringing surfaces of the grinding shoes.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and especially H6. 1 thereof. the treatment tank of the present invention comprises a fixed base or base plate 1 and a suitably connected detachable cylindrical sidewall 2.

Disposed concenttically about the lower portion of the sidewall 2 of the treatment tank is an outer tank or splash ring 3, the space between the sidewall 2 and the concentric outer tank or splash ring providing a chamber 4 which receives the product of the grinding mill in a manner which will be later described. The bottorn of the splash ring 3 is provided with a detachable watertight connection 5 which rests upon the base plate ll.

The upper end of the treatment tank formed by the base plate 1 and cylindrical sidewall 2 is closed by a removable cover 6 which is made up of a plurality of suitably secured sections; and this removable cover is provided with a central opening or feed hopper indicated at 10, the latter communicating with a cylindrical drive column l2 which forms a chute for the material to be crushed or ground and terminates at its lower end in substantially spaced relationship with respect to the base plate I.

The lower end of the treatment tank formed by the base plate 1 and r the cylindrical sidewall 22 is provided with a capped drain pipe 13.

The power shaft 1 4 of the apparatus is shown in FIG. I as horizontally disposed and extending entirely across the upper end of the treatment tank, the same being journaled in suitable bearings 16 and provided with an outboard extension 18 carrying a pulley 19 or other driving instrumentality which is connected with a prime mover (not shown).

ing is secured to the underside of the circular lower drive plate 40 in order to improve its driving connection with the drive FlG. l is a vertical transverse elevational view, partly in see.

A collar 23 is welded to the cylindrical drive column 12. and

this collar is bolted to the upper drive plate 20 as shown.

A large ring gear 24 is disposed concentrically on. and secured to. the upper surface of the upper drive plate 20;and it meshes with a pinion 26 which is secured to the power shaft 14 immediately thereabove. i x As shown in FIG. I. the diameter ol'the circular upper drive plate 20 is slightly less than the inside diameter of the cylindri cal sidewall 2 of the treatment tank; and a plurality of evenly spaced antifriction rollers 30 of substantially larger diameter than the antifriction rollers 22 are secured to the upper surface of the circular drive plate 20v in equidistant positions and in such manner as to rotate on vertical axes and extend into contact on their peripheries with the inner surface of the immediately adjacent portion of the cylindrical sidewall 2.

Disposed below the circular upper drive plate 20 is a circular lower drive plate 40 of similar size and shape which is supported adjacent to and below its periphery by a plurality of antifriction rollers 42 on horizontal axes which are attached to and carried by the cylindrical sidewall 2 in the manner of the previously described antifriction rollers '22.

A portion of the otherwise circular drive column 12 which is beneath and spaced from the circular drive plate 20 is squared and extends through a central opening of corresponding size and shape in the circular lower drive plate 40.

A removable split-hinged collar 43 having a squared open:

column l2. I p

As in the case of the upper drive plate 2 0,v the lower drive plate 40 carries on its upper surface a plurality of equidistantly spaced antifriction rollers 50 which rotate on vertical axes and make contact with the inner surface of the immediately adjacent portion of the cylindrical sidewall 2.

. The lower surface of the lower drive plate 40 is preferably providedwith radially extending stiffening ribs 52 for increasing strength and rigidity. The lowermost end of the drive column 12 extends through and depends from a central aperture in a horizontally extending shoe plate 54; and is adapted to freely rotate with respect thereto.

This show plate 54 is chamt'ered to prevent binding on the drive column 12 which also serves as a chute for the material to be crushed and ground.

Extending through the lower circular drive plate 40 are four equidistantly spaced plow bolts 56 and an angular clip 60 is secured to the diametrically opposite portion of the shoe plate 54 adjacent its periphery. Extending-between the lower end of each of the vertically disposed plow bolts 56 and the diametrically opposite angular clip 60 (at or adjacent the periphery of the shoe plate 54) is a cable 64 the ends of which are provided with appropriate cable fastenings 66 and 68. As shown in FIG.

5, the cables 64 are four in number and the cable fastenings 68 which are adjacent the periphery of the shoe plate 54 are adjustable in order that the cables may be appropriately tensioned.

Mounted within the tank formed by the cylindrical sidewall 2 and disposed upon the bottom thereof which is formed by 1 the base plate I are upper and lower sectional grinding shoes 70 and 72. respectively (FIG. 6) comprising replaceable sur- 1n the illustrative embodiment. each shoe (upper and lower) comprises four of these sections orsegments, the same being so shaped that when assembled in the bottom of the tank they provide, between them. a circular surface which is undulated, as will be explained hereinafter, to provide an anvil upon which the crushing operation takes place.

It will be observed, particularly with reference to FlGS. 6 and 7. that the major surfaces of the segments of the sectional grinding shoes 70 and 72 incline in an upward direction from the outer edges thereof to a point inwardly of the opposite end, at which point the said surface is connected with the extreme opposite end of the segments by a wall or surface 78 which extends at an approximate 45 angle with respect to the bottom 1 of the tank. The segments of the sectional lower fixed shoe 72 are firmly secured to the tank bottom 1 in any desired manner. such as by dowels indicated at 80 and 82. it will also be observed. particularly with reference to FIG. 6. that the inclined end wall 78 of the segments of the lower shoe 72 coincides at its extremity with the lower edge of the next adjacent companion segment, so as to bring about a gradual and upwardly inclined elongated composite grinding face 84 which reaches its height at the point 85, after which it declines at a 45;; ngle to the end of the segment. Each of the segments of the lower fixed anvil shoe 72 is constructed in a similar manner so as to compositely extend entirely around and be concentric with the tank comprising the bottom 1 and the circular sidewall 2. i

The segments of the shoe upper 70 arerigidly secured to the lower face of the shoe plate 54 in any suitable manner, as by means of bolts or machine screws 90.

As indicated earlier herein, the lower faces of the segments of the upper segmental shoe 70 correspond in all respects to the coacting upper faces of the segments of the lower segmental show 72 except in reverse. Accordingly, when the segments of the upper shoe 70 or grinding element move in a rotary direction to the left, as viewed in FIG. 6, the elongated lower faces of said segment 70 will slide upon the corresponding upper faces of the fixed or bottom shoe 72 until the points 95 reach the corresponding points of the segments of the fixed shoe 72, whereupon the 45 faces 76 of the segments of the upper shoe slide down the corresponding faces 78 of the segments of the lower or anvil shoe until the points 95 reach the bottoms of the inclined faces 78. Manifestly. ores or other substances interposed between the faces of the shoes 70 and 72 will be subjected to a grinding force sufficient to finely divide or comminute such material; and at the same time the possibility of any of such material becoming pocketed is entirely obviated. This is because of the inclined walls 76 and 78 of the segments of the cooperating anvil and rotating shoes, 70 and 72, respectively, which surfaces permit a gradual lowering of the segments of the upper shoe 70 to their lowest points; in the process grinding or comminuting any material which may have tended to gather on either the walls 78 or the lower portions of the surfaces 84.

A shaft seat 99 is positioned at the center of the tank bottom 1, and securely anchored in position by bolts as shown in FIG. 10. This shaft seat 99 is preferably circular in form and provided with an outwardly and downwardly inclined upper surface 101 to direct or deflect material outwardly from the interior of the cylindrical drive column 12.

Gold riffles 104 are placed in removable sections between the outer edge of the lower segmental shoes 72 and the inner surface of the sidewall 2 of the tank, permitting periodic removal of heavier concentrates. These gold riffles 104 also assist in holding the segments of the lower shoe 72 in fixed position.

Splash rings 106 are welded to the lower faces of both the upper and lower drive plates and 40, respectively; and heavy gauge splash seals 108 are bolted to the inner wall of the tank.

Mounted on the outside of the sidewall 2 of the tank and adjacent the bottom of each of the upper and lower drive plates 20 and 40, respectively. is a drain trough 110 which receives sludges draining through suitable drain pipes (not shown).

The sidewall 2 of the tank is provided with a plurality of discharge ports 114 which are disposed entirely around the same and closed by screening 116 or other foraminous material of proper mesh. These openings are disposed well above the bottom 1 of the tank as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

In operation, the ore, rock or other material to be ground is introduced to themachine through the hopper and the central opening of the drive column 12. together with water from a suitable source of supply (not shown). This material gravitates to the bottom of the hollow drive column 12 and ore chute and into the area at the bottom thereof immediately adjacent to the segmental grinding shoes 70 and 72. As the power shaft rotates, the bevel pinion 26 drives the ring gear 24. which is bolted to the upper surface of the upper drive plate 20. The rollers which are mounted on the upper face of the upper drive plate 20 rotate against the inner surface of the sidewall 2 of the tank and permit no side motion or play. thus eliminating any possible deviation from a true'circular motion.

As the upper drive plate 20 rotates, it turns the drive column 12, which in turn imparts rotation to the lowerdrive plate 40.

The rotary motion thus applied to the lower drive plate is transmitted through the cables 64 to the shoe plate 54 and to the upper segmental shoe 70.

The mixture of ore and water entering between the surfaces of the upper rotatable segmental shoe 70 and the lowerstationary segmental shoe 72. is subjected to ta highly efficient rubbing and grinding action whichbrings about the comminution of the solid materials. As earlier stated. there is no opportunity for pocketing' of any of these materials, due to the particular formation, construction and coaction of the upper and lower segmental grinding shoes.

As the ground material, mixed with water, rises, it passes out of the tank through the ports 114, being screened in so doing to prevent particles of undesirable size getting into the chamber 4 between the outer tank or splash ring 3 and the sidewall 2. The finely divided material in the water solution may then be led off from the chamber 4 through a sluice 122 for such further treatment as may be desired or required.

In FIG. 9 of the drawings a modified form of elevated driving mechanism is shown as comprising a foreshortened horizontally extending power shaft 124 which extends inwardly from an outwardly disposed driving element (pulley, etc.) to terminate short of the vertical axis of the mill, and with its intermediate portionjournaled in suitable bearings 126.

A pair of similar shafts 128 occupy a common plane with the horizontally extending power shaft 124 and extend at right angles with respect thereto. each being journaled in a pair of bearings 130.

A bevel gear 132 is secured to the inner end of each of the shafts 128 which align with each other and a drive pinion gear 134 is secured to the inner end of the power shaft 124.

As shown, the drive pinion gear 134 is in constant enmeshment with the bevel gears 132 and thus the aligned shafts 128 and the right-angularly disposed power shaft 124 rotate in unison.

pinion gear 137 is secured to each of the shafts 128 at a position which is intermediate its bearings and these pinion gears 137 are in constant enmeshment with a ring gear 24a.

The ring gear 24a is identical in design and function with the previously described ring gear 24; and the remaining elements of the grinding or crushing i'nill are the same.

The mill described hereinbefore and illustrated in the drawings will, with a minimum of power, greatly increase production in a minimum of time and with the least possible wear either of the grinding shoe or the driving means therefor. By providing a series of rollers and bearings on the perimeter of upper and lower drive plates, as shown and described, it will be appreciated that a balanced rotation of the drive column is at all times maintained, thus eliminating the possibility of the drive column becoming unduly worn or out of true.

We claim:

1 In a crushing mill, a vertically extending circular tank; a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank adjacent the upper end thereof; a second centrally apertures circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said first-named circular plate and in spaced relationship with respect thereto; a third centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said second-named circular plate; a vertical tube extending through said all three of said circular plates and drivingly connected to the first and second-named circular plates; cable connecting members; cables extending between and connecting said second and thirdnamed circular plates; a grinding means secured to the underside of said third-named circular plate; and stationary anvil means secured to the bottom of said tank and cooperating with said grinding means.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the tank has openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom thereof; together with means for rotating the vertical tube; means for admitting liquid and material to be ground to the interior of the vertical tube; and means for preventing the wobbling of the circular plates with respect to the tank.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the tank has openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom thereof; together with means for rotating the vertical tube; means for admitting liquid and material to be ground to the interior of the vertical tube; and a circular member secured to the bottom of said tank beneath the vertical tube and provided with an outwardly and downwardly inclined circular wall for deflecting material and liquid from the interior of the vertical tube to the grinding means and its cooperating stationary anvil means on the bottom of the tank.

4. In a crushing mill. a vertically extending circular tank; a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank adjacent the upper end thereof;a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said firstnamed circular plate and in spaced relationship with respect thereto; a third centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said second-named circular plate; a vertical tube extending through all three of said circular plates and drivingly connected to the first and secondnamed circular plates but free of connection with said thirdnamed circular plate; cable connecting members secured to the undersurface of said second-named circular plate and the upper surface of said third-named circular plate; angularly disposed cablcs extending between and secured to the respective cable connecting members of said second and thirdnamed circular plates; a segmental shoe fixed in the bottom of said tank and defining a ring which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of said vertical tube; a segmental grinding shoe secured to the undersurface of said third-named circular plate and resting in contact with said fixed shoe, said fixed and grinding shoes having inclined grinding elements upon their abutting surfaces said tank having openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom of said tank, means for rotating said shaft. means for admitting liquid and material to be ground directly to the interior of said vertical tube, and a circular member secured to the bottom of said tank beneath said vertical tube and provided with an outwardly and downwardly inclined circular wall to direct and deflect material and liquid from the interior of said vertical tube to the grinding surfaces of said shoes. 

1. In a crushing mill, a vertically extending circular tank; a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank adjacent the upper end thereof; a second centrally apertures circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said first-named circular plate and in spaced relationship with respect thereto; a third centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said second-named circular plate; a vertical tube extending through said all three of said circular plates and drivingly connected to the first and second-named circular plates; cable connecting members; cables extending between and connecting said second and third-named circular plates; a grinding means secured to the underside of said third-named circular plate; and stationary anvil means secured to the bottom of said tank and cooperating with said grinding means.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the tank has openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom thereof; together with means for rotating the vertical tube; means for admitting liquid and material to be ground to the interior of the vertical tube; and means for preventing the wobbling of the circular plates with respect to the tank.
 3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the tank has openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom thereof; together with means for rotating the vertical tube; means for admitting liquid and material to be ground to the interior of the vertical tube; and a circular member secured to the bottom of said tank beneath the vertical tube and provided with an outwardly and downwardly inclined circular wall for deflecting material and liquid from the interior of the vertical tube to the grinding means and its cooperating stationary anvil means on the bottom of the tank.
 4. In a crushing mill, a vertically extending circular tank; a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank adjacent the upper end thereof; a centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said first-named circular plate and in spaced relationship with respect thereto; a third centrally apertured circular plate rotatably supported in said tank beneath said second-named circular plate; a Vertical tube extending through all three of said circular plates and drivingly connected to the first and second-named circular plates but free of connection with said third-named circular plate; cable connecting members secured to the undersurface of said second-named circular plate and the upper surface of said third-named circular plate; angularly disposed cables extending between and secured to the respective cable connecting members of said second and third-named circular plates; a segmental shoe fixed in the bottom of said tank and defining a ring which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of said vertical tube; a segmental grinding shoe secured to the undersurface of said third-named circular plate and resting in contact with said fixed shoe, said fixed and grinding shoes having inclined grinding elements upon their abutting surfaces, said tank having openings in its sidewalls spaced from the bottom of said tank, means for rotating said shaft, means for admitting liquid and material to be ground directly to the interior of said vertical tube, and a circular member secured to the bottom of said tank beneath said vertical tube and provided with an outwardly and downwardly inclined circular wall to direct and deflect material and liquid from the interior of said vertical tube to the grinding surfaces of said shoes. 